Larry Goldings: Awareness

Especially noted for his work with Jim Hall, Goldings is one of the most versatile accomplished jazz pianists around. As this album’s title implies, fluency in a variety of languages stems from a certain awareness, something these 12 varied tunes confirm.

Here-backed by bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Paul Motian-Goldings fluently salutes many of his apparent influences. Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers To Cross” reveals his gospel leanings, while “Libera Me,” based on Faure’s “Requiem,” shows his classical side, although it retains a jazz flavor throughout. Then there is the impact of America’s great song smiths, whom he tributes with “Strays” (an original for Billy Strayhorn), Cole Porter’s “You Do Something To Me,” and George Gershwin’s “Embraceable You” (the latter two especially display his talents as a song stylist). His compositional gifts are evident on “Redwood Portrait,” a meditative free-flowing solo ballad, and “The Owl Of Cranston,” a dynamic, quirky exchange between the trio’s members. An exception to the jack of all trades adage, Goldings is a master of all, as this brilliant performance proves.

Originally Published September 1, 1997